CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2013-2017 Nissan Sentra has an expensive CVT transmission failure defect that shows up plainly in our complaint data.

In late 2019, the CVT defect was subject to a class action settlement. However the settlement only covers transmission repairs up to 7 years after purchase or 84,000 miles (whichever occurs first).

Because many owners commonly drive 20,000 miles/year or more, Sentra owners experiencing CVT transmission problems may find they are not covered by this settlement due to the mileage limitation.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 1
Average Mileage:
28,298 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2013 Nissan Sentra electrical problems

electrical problem

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2013 Nissan Sentra Owner Comments (Page 2 of 3)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #21

May 162018

Sentra

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Takata recall passenger air bag does not turn on when passenger is in car while the car is and is not in motion. Car turned off while pulling out of driveway. Mechanic confirmed I have a wiring issue somewhere when they tried to put new fog lights in and issue was not resolved.

- Taunton, MA, USA

problem #20

Jun 042018

Sentra

  • 153,000 miles
When driving my car on the highway or city streets, I lose speed and can't use pedal to accelerate to pick up any speed.car won't go pass 20 mph.

- Inglewood, CA, USA

problem #19

May 222018

Sentra

  • 55,500 miles
While driving intermittant stalling, restarts right away, no check engine light comes on also may almost stall upon coming to a stop light, begins to idle rough, occurs very intermittant, when purchased pre-owned similar problem was rectified by replacement of some type of emissions harness has been back to dealer numerous times and they keep charging me for trying to repair and nothing seems to change still random stalling

- Remsenburg, NY, USA

problem #18

Apr 142014

Sentra

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I have gotten 6 recalls for my car when I bought it 3 months ago from crowly Kia in bristol ct. 5 of the recalls are for airbags and 1 of them is for the electrical and they all popped up on my credit karma account all in red, so I'm taking that as they need to be fixed and I have called Nissan and they are saying that non of them are showing up in their data base but why do I have them on credit karma all in red? I have them all printed up with the campaign number and recall id number and credit karma is telling me that they need to be fix which is why they are in red and not green. So can someone please call me and explain this to me and I can tell there is something wrong with the electrical system which is one of my recalls. My number is (860)776-8239

- Bristol, CT, USA

problem #17

Aug 012013

Sentra

  • 100 miles
Issue1: The occupant classification system (OCS) software incorrectly classify the passenger seat as empty, when it is occupied by an adult. This is happening when the vehicle is in motion or stationary. This life-threatening problem substantially impairs the use and value of my vehicle and also it creates a serious safety hazard. I have been harassed by the local dealer due to their repeated ineffective attempts to fix this issue. Issue2: Groaning sound from brakes when driving downhill. Local dealer couldn't able to fix this issue.

- Fremont, CA, USA

problem #16

Sep 182016

Sentra

  • 52,000 miles
I am filing this complaint against the Nissan motor cooperation for faulty craftsmanship in 2013 Nissan Sentra that I purchased in jacksonville, fla. I have had to take my car autonation nissian in orange park fla three times due electrical shortage in the car electrical system.while driving the car, the car traction control light comes on all over sudden. The car then brakes and slows down. I attempted to try and turn off the traction control light but then a second light appears on the dash board. In addition you also lose acceleration when this happens.the mechanic, shop foreman, and service advisers came to conclusion that this is due to excessive moisture in the taillight which causes the car to automatically brake while driving and causes a shortage in electrical system. I was advised that the tail light should have been sealed at the factory. Nissan wants me to pay $491 which I dont have. They then said I would only have to pay a $100 of which I dont have. Since I have had this nissian Sentra I have had nothing but problems in what was suppose to be a brand new car.this is a very dangerous problem and could cause a bad accident with this car electrical system shorting out. I feel that Nissan should be responsible for all cost because I not the one that manufactured the car and I shouldn't be held liable for there poor craftsmanship.

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

problem #15

Dec 282015

Sentra

  • 14,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Intelligent key fob intermittent start/stop of vehicle. Went to start my car after dinner and it would not start.no activity when pressing the intelligent key fob. Stranded in a parking lot, called my spouse and then he came with a spare fob, same thing, no start.turned fob around per owners manual and car started but key warning light flashed all the way home. Read manual and made sure all caveats were not the issue. Winter weather night outside, came home and pulled car in the garage, waited an hour and tried to start car, no problem started fine. Went out next morning and car started fine after two stops, at third stop would not start again. Used procedure suggested in owners manual and car started. Drove to final destination and no key warning light flashing. Went online and found many complaints of dealer related issues with replacement of a steering lock switch to cure problem, (at a cost of around 800 - 900 dollars), at the car owners expense. Found some other info online suggesting there is an extended warranty from manufacturer on this item. Have not yet researched that claim. Also some suggestions to inform NHTSA to start a recall process for this as it seems to be widespread with this make and other models of this manufacturer. I am submitting this complaint in the hopes that others will also and get a recall issued for this. Will contact a local dealer for more info on status of manufacturer. Twice in 24 hrs is not a coincidence. There is an issue with this system and it should be looked into by NHTSA.

- Rochester, NY, USA

problem #14

Mar 022015

Sentra

  • 25,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that the vehicle would not accelerate properly. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it could not be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the failure occurred again, which resulted in a rear end collision. There were no injuries and a police report was not filed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the vehicle made an abnormal noise and hesitated. The vehicle was returned to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was returned to the dealer where it could not be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired and was taken to a new dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure still recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.

- Bakersville, CA, USA

problem #13

Nov 052015

Sentra

  • 52,000 miles
With no warning, the vehicle applies brakes while in cruise control. Brake lights on the vehicle remain active continuously after this. Once this has occurred, the cruise control light flashes and the transmission is very limited on power at intermittent intervals. It comes and it goes without reason all the while the brake lights remain fully illuminated. This occurs while the vehicle is in motion. It tends to be while cruise control is enabled, but it has occurred while regularly driving.

- Pasadena, TX, USA

problem #12

Oct 032015

Sentra

  • 70,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Sentra. While driving approximately 50 mph, the steering column became detached from the vehicle, fell into the contact's lap, and nearly caused a crash. The contact was able to pull over and stop the vehicle. One day prior to the failure, the steering wheel was able to be turned, the vehicle would start without the key in the ignition, the doors locked and unlocked without warning, and all of the interior lights would flash off and on. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the spiral cable was fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.

- Lincolnton, NC, USA

problem #11

Oct 032015

Sentra

  • 80,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Sentra. While driving 50-65 mph, the steering column separated from the vehicle and the air bags disengaged independently. In addition, the vehicle started and the doors locked independently, the vehicle stalled, and the air bags disengaged independently. Prior to the additional failures, the vehicle was remedied under Nissan's cvt consumer satisfaction program recall. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the spiral cable fractured and the transmission was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

- Lincolnton, NC, USA

problem #10

Jan 052015

Sentra

  • 65,686 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Sentra. After taking the vehicle to the dealer on multiple occasions, it was determined that the cpu needed to be reprogrammed. The failure caused the vehicle to stall. The dealer and the contact spoke with the manufacturer and were informed that there was no remedy and the cpu could not be reprogrammed. The contact felt this was a safety issue. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was 65,686.

- Simpsonville, SC, USA

problem #9

Apr 022015

Sentra

  • 13,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start intermittently. The vehicle stalled when attempting to accelerate and made a loud revving noise. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed an unknown draw was coming from the battery. No repairs were made to the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 13,000.

- Glen Burnie, MD, USA

problem #8

Jun 192014

Sentra

  • 3,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Sentra. While starting the vehicle, the passenger side air bag warning light illuminated with an occupant present. The failure occurred only after the vehicle was serviced under the NHTSA campaign number: 14V138000 (air bags, electrical system). The vehicle was taken back to the dealer four times but they were unable to determine the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 3,000.

- Bayside, NY, USA

problem #7

Feb 222015

Sentra

  • 33,000 miles
The contact owned a 2013 Nissan Sentra. While driving at 45 mph, the vehicle veered off the road and crashed into a ditch. The vehicle burst into flames and was destroyed. The driver sustained fatal injuries. A police report was filed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 33,000.

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #6

Dec 182014

Sentra

  • 16,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at 40 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a dealer. The technician diagnosed that the ECM needed to be updated. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 16,000.

- Milden, MA, USA

problem #5

Nov 012014

Sentra

  • miles
Windshield fluid does not spray correctly as it should. It goes to the bottom of the windshield. At times I have to pull over and spray fluid ( yes...I have to carry a spray bottle with me) to ensure the windshield is clear on days that it is needed. On the other issue, steering lock after taking out the key doesnt work. Light bulb on shift stick doesnt work. Can't see the gear selection at night.

- New Britain, CT, USA

problem #4

Feb 012013

Sentra

  • 6,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that the push button start feature failed to engage the engine. In addition, the brakes failed. The contact had to increase the braking distance in order to stop the vehicle. The contact also heard a loud metal grinding sound near the front passenger side. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on several occasions. The brake sensor was replaced, but the failure recurred. The push button start was not replaced. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 6,000.

- Oceanside , CA, USA

problem #3

Nov 192013

Sentra

  • 30 miles
I bought my Nissan Sentra sv on November 18, 2013 and the next day I had to take it back to the dealer to check the light indicating low pressure in tire(s). The second time I took the car into Nissan dealership was on December 18, 2014 when my vehicle air bag light kept disengaging when my husband was seated on the passenger seat. [xxx], who I told what was happening with the air bag light turning off, had the auto tech look at and after the vehicle was done being checked I was told that everything was okay. [xxx] showed me that it was working properly, but when he sat in the passenger seat and the light went off and he tried several time to engage it didn't work, so he went back to talk to the tech and came back and told me that it's okay and to monitor it. Now, I receive a recall notice letting me know about the same problem that I took my car in several months ago and told nothing was wrong with it. Seriously, what happened if I was in an accident and the airbag didn't work properly and some one got hurt or worst killed. A life can't be replaced, but a car can. I hope that when I take the car into the dealership I don't get the run around and being told nothing is wrong.

- Kealakekua, HI, USA

problem #2

Jan 182014

Sentra 4-cyl

  • 100 miles
Engine stalled on the interstate while traveling at 70 mph. Stalled again about an hour later at 30 mph. Went to dealership, they were unable to reproduce the issue. Others have had similar experiences, but Nissan will not recognize engine stalls as a current issue with 2013 Nissan Sentra. However Nissan did send me one months car note for the vehicle being in the shop several times for this problem. According to Nissan there is a suggested repair involving the accelerator on these vehicles, but the company will not authorize the repair unless their technicians can reproduce the issue. After several calls to Nissan they simply say that they understand the problem I am having but the company will not authorize the repair at this time. They more or less left it to me to continue with my own research about a potential recall involving engine stalls.

- Douglasville, GA, USA

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